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Majuli focus in young artist's play

GUWAHATI: Majuli, the world's largest river island, is going through tremendous environmental, cultural and social change, and for young artist Shilpika Bordoloi, theatre seemed the most powerful medium to express her concerns. After doing the rounds at Delhi and Bangalore, her solo performance centering on the island will be staged here on March 5.

Embedded in the genre of physical theatre, Bordoloi's play employs indigenous musical instruments of the Assamese, Deuri and Vaisnavite communities, including 'dendun', 'derkitapung', 'kautpong tapung', 'tuk-tuk-tapung', 'baghdhenu' and 'teng-teng'. For the playwright, Majuli remains the lead character, expressing itself through its culture, rich heritage and beauty.

"The island is globally revered. I am not trying to be an activist who clamours over issues. However, I want to spread awareness about the island, its adaptability with time and its history," said Bordoloi.

Despite choosing to remain apolitical about various issues surrounding Majuli, Bordoloi is wary of human intervention in the island's existence. The changing social and cultural life of Majuli has been depicted accurately as two years of research went into the play, said Bordoloi who also developed an instrument to replicate the sound of water.

"Majuli belongs to the river and it can reclaim the island any day. I want to speak about the island before it is too late. It will be pointless to talk about Majuli after it vanishes. Through the use of lights, costumes and sounds, I highlighted the island's socio-cultural aspects," said Bordoloi.

Traversing the length and breadth of the island during her two-year research period, she came across fast-disappearing symbols of culture like the endangered musical instruments. Some organizations were reluctant to stage her play, deeming a solo performance 'too contemporary'.

"I am glad that during my performance in Delhi, an audience member approached me and inquired about Majuli. It is a rare place and I want to present Majuli using a multi-dimensional approach that can be interpreted at many levels," said Bordoloi.